Cooking a ham in a crock pot is a fantastic way to create a juicy, tender, and flavorful ham with minimal effort. This method is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, delivering impressive results without hours of oven time. Let's dive into how to achieve ham perfection using your trusty slow cooker.
Preparing Your Ham for Crock Pot Cooking
Before you even think about the crock pot, you'll need to choose your ham. There are two main types:
- Bone-in Ham: These hams offer a richer flavor and stay moister during cooking.
- Boneless Ham: These are more convenient and easier to slice, but can dry out if not cooked properly.
Regardless of your choice, here's what you'll need to do:
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Remove the Ham from its Packaging: Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or other coverings.
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Score the Ham (Optional): Scoring the ham's fat cap allows for better penetration of flavors and helps prevent the ham from becoming overly dry. Use a sharp knife to make shallow, diagonal cuts across the fat, about 1/4 inch deep.
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Rinse the Ham (Optional): Some people prefer to rinse their ham before cooking to remove any excess preservatives. This step is optional.
Crock Pot Ham Cooking Methods:
Here are two popular methods for cooking ham in a crock pot, both resulting in delicious results:
Method 1: Simple Crock Pot Ham (for fully cooked hams)
This method is perfect for pre-cooked hams that just need to be warmed through and enhanced with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup of your favorite liquid (chicken broth, apple juice, or water)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Place the ham in your crock pot.
- Pour the liquid into the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and ground cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Cook on low for 2-4 hours, or until heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Method 2: Crock Pot Ham with Glaze (for fully cooked or partially cooked hams)
This method adds a delicious glaze to your ham, resulting in a beautiful and flavorful finish. Adjust cooking time based on whether your ham is fully cooked or partially cooked.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked or partially cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup of your favorite liquid (apple cider, pineapple juice, or cola)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Place the ham in your crock pot.
- Pour the liquid into the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked hams. For partially cooked hams, cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
Tips for Crock Pot Ham Perfection:
- Don't overcook! Overcooked ham can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of ham, and your crock pot's settings.
- Add more flavor: Experiment with different glazes and liquids to find your perfect combination. Consider adding other spices like smoked paprika, cinnamon, or ginger.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Serving Your Delicious Crock Pot Ham:
Once your ham is cooked and rested, slice it and serve it alongside your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and macaroni and cheese are all classic pairings. Enjoy!
This guide provides a simple yet effective approach to cooking a delicious ham in your crock pot. Remember to adjust cooking times and ingredients based on your preferences and the type of ham you use. Happy cooking!
